In addition to shutting down shipping terminals and submerging warehouses, the storm also tangled up deliveries because of downed power lines, closed roads and scarce gasoline in parts of New York and New Jersey.
The supply chain is backing up at a crucial time, just as retailers normally bring their final shipments into stores for the holiday shopping season, which retailers depend on for annual profitability.
"Things are slowing down," said Chris Merritt, vice president for retail supply chain solutions at the trucking company Ryder. "This whole part of the supply chain is clogged up."
